Tequila Plant Could Aid Diabetics

The plant used to make tequila could be much more than a cocktail ingredient. Researchers at this week's meeting of the American Chemical Society are saying a sweetener derived from agave could lower blood glucose levels in diabetics and help them and those who are obese lose weight. Agavins, a natural form of sugar in the plant, can't be absorbed by the body, which is why they can't raise blood glucose levels, Forbes reports. Mouse studies by the team also show that the sugar acts as a dietary fiber and triggers weight loss in obese mice, suggesting that agavins could make people feel fuller and lead to a reduced appetite. Bottoms up!